3 reasons the Mets fell so far behind the Phillies

The 2022 season was the only time in MLB history when the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies made the postseason in the same year. There were never all that many opportunities until the wild card was introduced. Even then, the National League East rivals never had even a chance to face off in the playoffs until last year. It didn’t happen with the Mets bouncing out in the first round and the Phillies making it to the World Series after barely getting into the playoffs.

We all assumed both teams would make it again in 2023. Only the Phillies did and they’re still playing games while the Mets have already gotten their winters started.

How did it happen? What are the Phillies doing better than the Mets?

Several of the young Phillies players have lived up to the hype, the Mets youngsters aren't there yet

Bryson Stott. Alec Bohm. Brandon Marsh. All three have lived up to the hype in Philadelphia. They’re not without their shortcomings. However, each has accomplished a whole lot in a short period of time. There is no debate about where they belong on this team.

What about the Mets? We can only hope they start to put together the kinds of seasons those three have with the Phillies.

Brett Baty is in the same early stage Bohm was where we’re questioning everything about his place on the major league roster. Mark Vientos doesn’t seem to have a role on the team while Francisco Alvarez, as powerful as his bat is, will take time to develop.

Philadelphia stuck with their young players through growing pains. Doing the same could gift the Mets the same results. We can only hope so. The key is to actually play them.